Grapevine by Rosalyn Queen Alonso
What pleasant surprise I had the other day when I was reading my emails and opened up a message from Francesco Fabianio, who is a newspaper man in San Giovanni. He had sent me a copy of the local newspaper and in the paper he had included the story about the Progressive Women’s Association’s Women of Distinction. He had included the full column of the Italian American Women that we honored in observance of Italian Culture month The column included all of the pictures of the ten women who were honored and their thumbnail sketches. I was so pleased because I am sure that many of the residents of San Giovanni recognized many of the names and tried to make a connection to their families.
He also told the story of the Women of Distinction Program and the many contributions that the women we have honored have made to our community. I am so impressed with this paper. Most of the stories are in Italian as well as English. The pictures are beautiful and clear. I am so happy that our story is getting out around the world and I am most happy that the residents of San Giovanni know the contributions that are being made here by Italian immigrants. If any of you want to correspond to Francesco here is his email address- FabianiFrancesco1949@libero.it By the way he is a cousin of mine through the Brunetti side. I thank him for the wonderful story.
While we are on the Italian side, I wanted to advise you that I have received my new 2017 Italian seed catalog. You know, it is getting that time of year and it is so much fun browsing through the seed catalogs. I found that they are selling anise seeds. It states that they need plenty of heat and full sun. They need to be started indoors ten weeks before the last frost. The package is $3.25. It might be worth a try. Their web site is www.GrowItalian.com or their phone number is 785- 748-0959. I hope we will be able to have a small garden here at our new residence.
I would like to reminder readers that the PWA will be sponsoring their Women of Color luncheon of Friday, February 24 at noon at the Uptown Event Center. Reservations can be made by calling 304-624-6881. We will all be in for a special treat as Ironda Joyce Campbell will deliver the Keynote address.
I would also like to remind any of you who will be planning an event for this year to look into renting the Uptown Event Center. There is a lovely dining room and a commercial kitchen. It is the ideal place for reunions, showers, retirement parties and meetings. Call the PWA office for price and availability.
I just do not know what to say about this weather. I would like to think that spring is on its way, but I am afraid that old man winter will be waiting just around the corner. You know that means that we may have a flu outbreak. Be aware of this; keep healthy and be in good shape to welcome in spring.
Keep in touch and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.’
